Riders in Windsor Great Park

Sports & Activities

Have fun and get fit by getting involved in local sports and activities in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Check out our list of local sports clubs too.

Riding and Polo

If you enjoy horse riding or would like to try it for the first time, our local riding schools have all the facilities you need for lessons and offer hacks through some of the most spectacular countryside including the beautiful and extensive Windsor Great Park. Search the British Horse Society website to find a local place to ride.

If you have your own horse and wish to ride through the Great Park you must first apply for an annual permit from the Crown Estate Office, telephone +44 (0)1753 860222.

If you feel like having a go at polo, the 'sport of kings', lessons are offered at a number of local clubs and no experience is needed.

Watersports

With the River Thames running through the Borough, the world-class rowing lake at Dorney and a number of reservoirs, the Royal Borough is the perfect setting for a variety of watersports.

Rowing

Eton Dorney Rowing Lake is a modern world-class rowing and flat-water canoeing centre set in spectacular 450-acres of parkland near Windsor. Up to 30,000 spectators a day enjoyed the rowing, canoe and kayak events at Dorney Lake during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Despite being an international centre for rowing many facilities are available for use for local clubs.

Sailing & Windsurfing

Swimming

Some local hotels have pools for guests’ use. Swimming can also be enjoyed at the Royal Borough’s Windsor and Magnet leisure centres.

Running, Cycling & Swimming Events

Running, cycling and swimming events have grown in popularity over recent years. One of the biggest local events is the Windsor Triathlon which takes place every June. Several thousand spectators line the streets to cheer on the competitors. It’s been awarded the BTF’s Event of the Year a remarkable seven times. It offers a fantastic sporting challenge and the surroundings make it the perfect race setting for a triathlon.

The Windsor Half Marathon is entering its 33rd year, making it one of the longest established races in the UK, and boasting one of the most picturesque courses in the world around the iconic Windsor Great Park! This year it is a part of the Windsor Running Festival, including the Running4Women 10K aimed at women of all ages, backgrounds and levels, taking place over 26-27 September 2015.

Golf

The area is famous for its golf and is home to some of the finest championship courses this country has to offer including Wentworth, Sunningdale and Stoke Park. Many of the local hotels have their own 9-hole courses or arrangements for guests to play at nearby clubs. Golf packages are available including dinner, breakfast and 18 holes.

Cycling and Walking

The best way to get to know an area is by cycling or walking. The Royal Borough has a network of around 300km of public rights of way, offering access to a wealth of beautiful countryside, woodland, parkland and the river scenery of the Thames Path. The towns and villages offer historic walking trails and the national cycle network provides a safe and attractive route through parts of Maidenhead and Windsor.

Cycles can be hired from Extreme Motion for half-day, full-day or even longer periods.

Plan your route in advance by purchasing from a range of local maps and guides available from our online shop. A wide range of publications are also available to download from the RBWM website.

Mind The Gap Tours offers gentle guided cycle trips across the scenic Thames Valley to arrive at Windsor Castle in style. The route is a flat 8 miles, and 99% traffic-free so it’s suitable for all ages and abilities. The bikes are easy to ride, and come replete with baskets and bells to evoke the vintage era.

The Carter Company offers gentle cycling and walking holidays – often combined with boat trips down the Thames - in and around Windsor. Day tours, short breaks and longer holidays; self-led and guided itineraries available. Our routes are unique to us, designed by locals to show you the hidden gems of the area. Great for families as they’re almost entirely traffic-free.

Sky Ride Local

British Cycling are excited to be working in partnership with the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council to deliver the Sky Ride Local programme this year.

The Sky Ride Local programme offers a series of free, fun, guided bike rides around your local area. Guided by friendly British Cycling Ride Leaders along scenic planned routes, they’re a great way to get out with family or friends. With different levels – easygoing, steady and challenging – there’s something for everyone, whether you’re building your confidence or already comfortable on a bike and looking for a challenge. This year there will be a wide range of guided bike rides across Windsor and Maidenhead, taking in some great traffic free routes, scenic rural lanes and urban cycle paths.

Social Cycling Groups

A social network exclusively for cyclists, Social Cycling Groups makes it easy to get together, find a place to ride and enjoy a bike ride at a level and time that suits you. It's the ideal opportunity to take control of your cycling, discover new chances to ride and make some friends along the way. Rides are organised all year round by cyclists across the country. If you enjoyed Sky Ride Local, then you’ll love this. Visit www.goskyride.com/Social-Cycling-Groups for more information.

Breeze – women’s cycling network

British Cycling is also promoting women’s cycling through the Breeze women’s cycling network. Trained Breeze Champions organise and lead fun, social, local bike rides for women. Rides go at a speed that suits everyone, and they often start or finish at a cafe so everyone can have a drink and a chat. For more information on Breeze visit www.goskyride.com/Breeze